Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 way-too-early needs in 2022

Jacksonville Jaguars’ way-too-early number two need: Wide receiver

You would think that wide receiver will be near the bottom of the Jaguars’ roster needs in 2022 but the unit could erode quickly if the team’s brass doesn’t replenish it. Yes, they signed Marvin Jones Jr. in free agency and drafted Jalen Camp in the sixth round of this year’s draft but DJ Chark is entering a contract year, and it’s uncertain if he will remain in Jacksonville beyond this season.

The Jaguars could apply the franchise tag on the 2018 second-round pick. They could also offer Chark a multi-year deal but he could bet on himself and hit the open market. Regardless of the approach the Jaguars take to his contract, they could benefit from fortifying their wide receiver corps next offseason.

Laviska Shenault Jr. could have a breakout season in 2011 and Jones is a solid number two receiver but the Jags would still need someone else to round out the group. Collin Johnson, who was endorsed by Jags legend Jimmy Smith, could turn out to be a hidden gem but it’s not a sure thing it will happen. Also, Jacksonville needs to add depth to the position.

The Jaguars also signed former first-round pick Phillip Dorsett this offseason but he’s not a long-term fix. They can groom Camp and undrafted free agent Josh Imatorbhebhe but they currently look like depth players and nothing else.

The Jaguars may also need to add an offensive tackle next year if 2021 second-round pick Walker Little struggles to adjust to the NFL after not playing in almost two years. If the Stanford product turns out to be good, wide receiver will be a bigger offseason need than offensive tackle.